Winter Storm Fern and frigid temperatures have left many of us in a deep freeze with a number of issues: The conditions on primary roads are tenuous, many secondary roads are still not clear, and it is so cold that de-icers are barely having an impact on walkways.

As a result, a State of Emergency remains in effect and Governor Morrisey has told the public: “Please stay off the roads. Only go out if you have to.” Therefore, all campuses of Fairmont State University will operate remotely for the remainder of this week. We anticipate a return to regular operations on Monday, February 2.

• Students  – No on-campus in-person classes will be held. Instead, instructors of in-person courses have prepared to provide their courses through remote means to maintain continuity of learning. Please consult Blackboard and your professors about the possibility of virtual instruction or alternate assignments. 
• Faculty – Please communicate directly with students regarding any shift to virtual instruction or alternate assignments. (For more information, please see Provost Bedford’s “continuity of instruction” email sent January 22.) 
• Staff – Offices will operate remotely. Please consult your supervisor for additional guidance about remote operations.

We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank everybody in the Facilities Department who have battled terrible conditions this week in an effort to keep campus safe and accessible. Please say "thank you" next time you see them on campus.  

Operational updates follow:  

• The Falcon Center will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  
• The cafeteria will operate on reduced hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for brunch and 4 to 6 p.m. for dinner.  
• The Ruth Ann Musick Library’s 24/7 computer lab, printers and vending machines will be accessible via student ID.  
• Students' ID Card provides building access to all academic buildings from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Student athletes should check with their coaches for further direction.  
• For athletic schedules, visit fightingfalcons.com.

Some personnel necessary to the operation of the University, including those who work in the Physical Plant, Dining Services, the Falcon Center, and Public Safety, are considered essential employees and are expected to report to work. If it is unsafe to do so, please consult your supervisor. 

The Weather Committee continues monitoring the impact of Winter Storm Fern on and off campus. If additional updates are necessary, they will be communicated in a timely manner through our emergency alert system, email, social media, and the University website. 

Note that due to this weather system, we anticipate the top deck of the parking garage will remain closed for the coming days. (This location accounts for a significant portion of winter slip, trip, and fall injuries on campus. To support the integrity of the structure, salt or other ice melting agents cannot be used. Structural deterioration from de-icers can lead to major repairs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.) The University will alert motorists via large yellow signs posted at the traffic circle, near Turley Center, and at the top of the hill.